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Board: Arthritis 11-27-2012, 02:02 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 2,871
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Severe basal joint arthritis - surgery 9/11/12

There's nothing I can't hold. A glass, a pitcher, a baby's hand, a hammer, a screwdriver, a suitcase, etc. If piano is your hobby, it will take time to refine your technique. Talk to a...
Board: Arthritis 09-09-2012, 09:05 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 2,871
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Severe basal joint arthritis - surgery 9/11/12

I also feel the left one starting to have symptoms. We'll see how it does during the next 8 weeks! Or it's next!
Board: Disabilities 06-20-2012, 02:58 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 5,624
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: How Do You Deal with the Negativity?

Ask your friends, neighbors, hubby's co-workers, etc. I had called the larger cleaning companies but often they had requirements of having to work X amount of hours or X time s per month. An...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 06-17-2012, 10:44 PM
Replies: 2
Views: 789
Posted By SpineAZ
Employer STD and LTD

Given the following example:
*If someone last works on 4/27/12
*First day out of work due to disability is 4/28/2012
*Employer offers STD and LTD, both with the same insurance company
*STD is...
Board: Disabilities 06-12-2012, 02:01 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 5,624
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: How Do You Deal with the Negativity?

Forgot to add, be sure you're seeing the best specialists and primary care doc. If not for my amazing Pain Med doctor I'd be much more incapacitated than I am now. I have meds that help, and I...
Board: Disabilities 05-27-2012, 09:18 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 5,624
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: How Do You Deal with the Negativity?

I've made sure to stay involved with friends. I can't always go where they go (girls weekend away in Vegas was too much for my joints) but for happy hour or evenings together I push myself to be...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 05-04-2012, 06:32 PM
Replies: 43
Views: 9,331
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Getting approval from doctor for disability

Surveillance can only be used if it can show you consistently do activities above and beyond what you and your doctors have stated.

This is why I say never say "never" on a questionnaire uniless...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 05-04-2012, 10:14 AM
Replies: 43
Views: 9,331
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Getting approval from doctor for disability

Yes, an SS advocacy firm is fine. There are many that contract with LTD insurance companies and the only way an LTD ins co is going to refer you to an advocate or attorney is if the firm is proven...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 04-10-2012, 04:50 PM
Replies: 43
Views: 9,331
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Getting approval from doctor for disability

Be sure to get a copy of the exactly plan under which you are covered. Most plans allow the first 24 mo of LTD under any Own Occ definition of disability during which you must be unable to do the...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 04-04-2012, 07:57 PM
Replies: 43
Views: 9,331
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Getting approval from doctor for disability

Your employer is the one that makes the decision as to your employment. Is your employer administering your FMLA or is The Hartford administering both STD and FMLA.

If your STD is not approved,...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-30-2012, 06:05 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 3,761
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: SSDI hearing coming soon! PLZ HELP

In an SSDI hearing there are no opposing lawyers. There is you, your representative (if you have hired an attorney or advocate), the Administrative Law Judge, and possibly a Medical Expert and/or...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-29-2012, 03:36 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 3,761
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: SSDI hearing coming soon! PLZ HELP

Ferd is right, medical records are key, and all that matters. So someone with many severe problems who has doctors with poor documentation will have less luck with SSDI than someone with fewer...
Board: Spinal Cord Disorders 03-28-2012, 11:22 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 3,511
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Reappearing symptoms after ACDF surgery-not sure what to do

I went out of work 4/2009 and my use of a computer decreased dramatically. Fast forward to early 2011 with some hand pain and numbness, and the EMG showed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and some...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-28-2012, 04:03 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 3,761
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: SSDI hearing coming soon! PLZ HELP

Many LTD plans have two definitions of disability
(1) The first 24 mo (or 12, 36, etc, depending on policy specifics) they require you be unable to work at your own occupation "own occ"
(2) ...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-27-2012, 04:23 PM
Replies: 3
Views: 1,170
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: New diagnosis

Always make sure your attorney is aware of your new conditions and have them review any information you want to send to SS, they'll know what supports it and what does not. The important thing will...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-27-2012, 03:51 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 3,761
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: SSDI hearing coming soon! PLZ HELP

I didn't have the hearing, approved just before, but based on the very reasonable judge I had it seemed she placed a lot of emphasis on functionality. If you have emotion going in, that's okay,...
Board: Disabilities 03-27-2012, 03:15 PM
Replies: 65
Views: 11,399
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"

I was born in Illinois. In 2009 Illinois announced adoptees born before 1946 could request his/her original birth certificate effective 1/1/10. Those born after 1947 (and at least 18 yr old) could...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-23-2012, 05:54 PM
Replies: 84
Views: 6,053
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: OMG - I'm approved! No hearing!!!!!

SS notified my lawyer the Friday before the scheduled hearing that I was approved. Hearing was supposed to be 2/1 but I was called 1/27. By around 2/10 I had the Notice of Favorable Decision (multi...
Board: Disabilities 03-16-2012, 08:19 AM
Replies: 65
Views: 11,399
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"

Those close to me know why I'm out of work, sometimes they forget until I cnatydo an activity or have to cut my time short when doing something. If I do get questions I don't listen everything I...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-15-2012, 09:59 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,423
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Has anybody sent Certified letter to DDS?

Yep, SS as well as thousands of other entities (magazines, credit cards, insurance payments, hospital bills, cable bills, city taxes, etc) outsource things like receipt of mail and payments. So if...
Board: Disabilities 03-15-2012, 09:38 PM
Replies: 65
Views: 11,399
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"

I say "due to medical issues I had to take disability retirement".
Board: Health Insurance Issues 03-07-2012, 02:41 PM
Replies: 43
Views: 9,331
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Getting approval from doctor for disability

You must do a phone interview and complete any paperwork they send you for LTD (and have treating doctors complete whatever is necessary).

The LTD interview will ask for the names of ALL...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-29-2012, 08:15 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,211
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I know little about health insurance, and I have some questions

Please contact an independent insurance broker, never respond to random selling attempts posted on HealthBoards.
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-29-2012, 09:13 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,211
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I know little about health insurance, and I have some questions

Not unless you buy a prescription only plan. Individual Health Insurance is far more expensive than group (Employer) health insurance as risk in group plans is spread over a large pool of players...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-28-2012, 07:45 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,211
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I know little about health insurance, and I have some questions

Brokers don't charge you, they get a fee from the insurance company you select. Keep in mind if you are looking for an individual insurance plan for 1 person will be based on epending on your...
Board: Knee & Hip Problems 02-26-2012, 05:24 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 3,027
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Considering Knee Replacement

The knee is had a TKR on had has 10 prior surgeries on it including 3 ACL repairs. It does make the physical therapy much harder and the entire rehab process more grueling. Push had an eventually...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-26-2012, 03:56 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,211
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I know little about health insurance, and I have some questions

There are probably many, or an insurance broker who can get you a package with all the parts you are looking for. For example, if you worked for a large employer. Your health insurance may come...
Board: Disabilities 02-24-2012, 03:40 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 4,126
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: working with a disability

California is generous in terms of their state short term disability plan known as CASDI (California State Disability Insurance). The benefit is 55% to a max of somewhere above $800/wk (current...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-23-2012, 11:32 AM
Replies: 75
Views: 4,002
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I have questions

SS does have an investigations department, but the chances of them caring are low unless you are hiding pay, doing work level activity, etc. So if someone volunteers 4 hr/day and SS were to find...
Board: Disabilities 02-22-2012, 12:24 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 4,126
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: working with a disability

He'll likely be easily approved if medical records show ongoing increasing problems with pain and other symptoms such as limb breakdown which can require amputation revision (removal of more of the...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-21-2012, 04:24 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,211
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I know little about health insurance, and I have some questions

Plans are often structured like mine:

*$300 deductible (I pay the first $300 in any year before insurance kicks in)
*$1500 Out of pocket max In Network. $3000 Out of pocket max Out of Network...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-21-2012, 03:47 PM
Replies: 43
Views: 9,331
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Getting approval from doctor for disability

STD done in-house by the employer is usually way more generous in not requiring a lot of medical evidence, often only a doctors signature and diagnosis you have.

LTD done by an insurance company...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-12-2012, 06:15 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,956
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Questions about OTR?

My ALJ was all set up for 2/1 and about 5 days before my attorney called saying my claim had been approved OTR. In my case the attorney didn't specifically request OTR due to my age (45) but the...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 02-03-2012, 03:57 AM
Replies: 26
Views: 3,606
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Federal Income Tax Witholding

Go to IRS.gov and print off the publication, 915, that BlueSkies mentioned. Not every tax pro is adept at SSDI.

I think publication 15 addresses that SSDI monies received but paid back to LTD...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-31-2012, 09:35 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 2,060
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I am confused. Monthly benefit amount??

SS statements won't be sent to anyone under 60 nor anyone already on SSDI or SS Retirement.

The purpose of the statements is for planning, so they aren't necessary if you are already on SSDI as...
Board: Spinal Cord Disorders 01-31-2012, 08:28 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,422
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: advice on cervical surgery

Perhaps find a few good Orthopedic Spine Surgeons in your area. Narrow it down to 1 or 2 that take your insurance, call your insurance and see if a referral is required. I have a PPO plan and I...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-31-2012, 07:27 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 2,060
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: I am confused. Monthly benefit amount??

They'll be starting up statements again but only for those over age 60. I used one of my husbands old SS statements to run an estimate for his retirement benefits at various ages (had all the data...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-29-2012, 09:21 AM
Replies: 26
Views: 3,640
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Waiting on Disability... Long winded...

It was about 17 months. I didn't apply earlier since I had LTD and hoped to get back to work. I'm not sure if applying earlier, perhaps end of 2009, would have helped or not.
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-29-2012, 04:39 AM
Replies: 26
Views: 3,640
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Waiting on Disability..Long winded...

I totally understand how the wait affects you. I didn't realize how tense I was about the process until Friday when I was finally approved. I had an emotional reaction and, a release of...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-28-2012, 05:47 PM
Replies: 26
Views: 3,640
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Waiting on Disability..Long winded...

You'll get your letter about 4-6 weeks before the actual ALJ date. Then be sure you and your attorney discuss strategy, how to answer questions, etc. If there's anything your attorney needs such as...
Board: Knee & Hip Problems 01-26-2012, 09:56 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 3,027
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Considering Knee Replacement

I'm 45, had a history of many surgeries on the knee. I was in the hospital 5 days and should have taken my doctors offer for a few days in rehab. I was just beginning to feel a bit better at 6 wk...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-26-2012, 08:17 PM
Replies: 90
Views: 8,996
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Notice of Decision - Fully Favorable!!!

Choose a reliable and trustworthy representative payee. Maybe, create a handwritten agreement with whoever you choose that you will review all incoming and outgoing funds and that they agree all...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-26-2012, 03:05 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 4,361
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: letter from attorney

SSDI has most always been for disabled workers of any kind.

But, the more highly educated and younger the worker, the higher the probability the person can adapt /retrain for other employment in...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-25-2012, 06:53 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 4,361
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: letter from attorney

Vann:

You are right, the big factors were age, work history type (heavy work), and educational history.

The more physical/heavy one's past work in the last 15 yr, and the older he/she is, and...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-25-2012, 04:45 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 4,361
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: letter from attorney

I meet the orthopedic spine listing, but there are people who have had 20 spine surgeries and continue to be able to work while meeting the listing. SS is charged with determining which people who...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-25-2012, 10:16 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 4,361
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: letter from attorney

Vann : if you could post the exact wording from your award letter it may help us to better understand.
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-25-2012, 07:29 AM
Replies: 47
Views: 3,969
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: Medicare... I wanna pull my hair out!

Vann is right. I see plans advertised that say "for no additional cost". They manage the plan and provide benefits based on Medicare paying them as a contractor.

Go to Medicare.gov...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-25-2012, 07:14 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 4,361
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: letter from attorney

Many people feel the quality or duration of work with an employer important. It doesn't matter if someone changes jobs annually for 10 yr or spends 30 yr with the same company. If they find work...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-21-2012, 09:35 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,650
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: SSDI Field Office?

As we've seen here with two examples,
*ALWAYS sign everything SS sends you and return it ASAP.
*Keep a copy for yourself of everything you give to SS.
*Have a file at home where you place every...
Board: Health Insurance Issues 01-21-2012, 07:43 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,650
Posted By SpineAZ
Re: SSDI Field Office?

From what I've heard, initial application denials are 90%-95% with essentially only Compassionate Allowance diagnoses approved. 65% denied at reconsideration (better chance of approval at...
Showing results 1 to 50 of 410
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